Winchester Model 1892 92 24” Octagon .25-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1921 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,150.00

LSB#: LSB251016KS061

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Octagonal barrel rifle

Serial Number: 929536

Year of Manufacture: 1921 / C&R (

Caliber: .25-20 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed

Markings:  The top tang is marked “MODEL 92 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG U.S.PAT OFF & FGN”. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED  OCTOBER 14.1884” and “25-20 W.C.F.” near the receiver.  The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester WP proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “929536”. 

Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch on an elevator, dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present). 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have been sanded and refinished and there is loss near the receiver and bottom tang from the sanding.  There are several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition, as refinished. 

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original metal / refinished wood

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance of this finish shows operational wear and thinning on the leading edges. The finish on the barrel is turning to brown patina.  There are scratches, scuffs, and small nicks throughout. The receiver has taken to a mottled patina on the raised areas including the bottom. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1892 is one of John Moses Browning’s most enduring lever action designs, conceived as a lighter, more compact companion to the Model 1886 while retaining exceptional strength and smooth operation. Introduced in 1892, the model quickly earned a reputation for reliability and fast handling, becoming a staple across ranches, farms, and small game fields well into the early 20th century. This example, manufactured in 1921, represents the later period of Model 1892 production while still retaining the classic prewar Winchester character that collectors and shooters continue to appreciate.

Chambered in .25-20 WCF, this rifle reflects one of the quintessential small bore Winchester cartridges of the era. Developed from the .32-20, the .25-20 was prized for its mild report, modest recoil, and excellent efficiency on varmints and small game, making it an ideal pairing with the Model 1892’s trim action. The 24 inch octagon barrel adds both visual weight and practical sight radius, reinforcing the rifle’s balance and traditional appearance while evoking the classic sporting rifles of the period.

This rifle shows honest use consistent with age, retaining a substantial portion of its original metal finish with areas of thinning and developing patina that lend it a warm, well-aged presence. The refinished walnut stocks remain serviceable with good overall lines despite noted sanding loss near the receiver. With clear markings, a strong bore, and correct configuration, this Winchester Model 1892 remains an attractive and representative example of a classic small-caliber lever action from Winchester’s golden era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck! –

BF